US government shutdown: Millions of Americans face hunger crisis
What's the story
The ongoing US government shutdown has triggered a crisis in basic needs like food and medical care. The Trump administration's plan to suspend payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was blocked by federal judges on Saturday. However, this delay is still likely to leave millions struggling with their grocery bills.
Impact assessment
Second longest government shutdown in history
The government shutdown, now the second longest in history, has resulted in a month of missed paychecks for federal workers and increased air travel delays. Rev. John Udo-Okon, who runs a food pantry in the Bronx, said, "Right now, you can see the desperation, you can feel the frustration that the people are going through." Despite these challenges, lawmakers remain divided on Capitol Hill with no signs of compromise or resolution.
Healthcare concerns
Unprecedented healthcare crisis
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned of an unprecedented healthcare crisis due to the shutdown. The Department of Agriculture had planned to withhold $8 billion needed for SNAP payments until federal judges intervened. US District Judge John J McConnell ordered the government to inform the court by Monday how it would fund SNAP accounts, emphasizing that contingency funds must be used immediately because of the shutdown.
Program effects
SNAP program already seeing delays
The SNAP program, which serves about one in eight Americans at a cost of $8 billion per month, has already seen delays. Some governors and mayors have stepped in to fill the gap with available funds for this program that feeds around 42 million Americans. Jill Corbin, director of a soup kitchen and food pantry in Connecticut, said "People are just nervous, scared."
Blame game
House Democrats accuse Trump of golfing during hunger crisis
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump for spending time at his Florida golf course while millions could go hungry due to withheld SNAP benefits. Democrats have demanded funding for SNAP, but Republicans argue that the program is in such a dire situation because Democrats have repeatedly voted against short-term government funding bills. House Speaker Mike Johnson said "We are now reaching a breaking point thanks to Democrats voting no on government funding."
Filibuster debate
Increased health insurance costs amid government shutdown
Trump suggested that Republican senators end the shutdown by eliminating filibuster rules. However, Republican leaders rejected his idea, highlighting the desperation of the fight. The annual sign-up period for Affordable Care Act health insurance also began on Saturday with sharp increases in coverage costs. Enhanced tax credits helping most enrollees pay for these health plans are set to expire next year, potentially impacting millions of Americans across states.